Abstract

Stilboestrol &lt;sup&gt;(R)&lt;/sup&gt; tablets (20 x 1 mg) were given to 4 ostriches. Urine was collected over a period
of 8 days and stored frozen at -20 <sup>o</sup>C pending analysis. Analyses were performed on a gas
chromatograph - mass selective detector for the presence of parent compound and/or
metabolites. Diethylstilbestrol and its metabolite, dienestrol, were detected in urine; dienestrol
only for 1 day but diethylstilbestrol for 8 days after administration. Residue analysis for
the use of diethylstilbestrol as growth promoter can be performed on the urine of ostriches
by scanning for parent compound only since it can be detected longer than the metabolite.